About ENDORSE
The project aligns with the objectives of the Jean Monnet action in a variety of ways:
First, the project addresses EU Studies in a multifaceted manner: by developing and implementing three academic modules, it provides students with foundational knowledge of the European Union and its contemporary challenges while also equipping them with advanced research tools and methodologies necessary for conducting political research on the EU. The project specifically addresses issues related to the European dimension of political entities, identities, and multinational organizations.
Second, it promotes dialogue between the academic world and society at all levels – local, national, and international. By inviting various stakeholders from the political, diplomatic, and civil society spheres to interact with students and expose them to their challenges and daily work, the project aims to build bridges between these diverse worlds. Additionally, the module plans to host open dissemination events, serving as a forum for educators, students, and scholars from different levels of education to come together and engage in discussions.
Thirdly, as the name of the module suggests, the project aims to generate new knowledge and approaches to EU policy formulation and implementation, both at the EU level and specifically in the context of Israeli-European relations. Recognizing the dynamic nature of the EU, the project will provide students with the opportunity to engage with experienced practitioners firsthand and visit relevant sites, strengthening their ties with stakeholders and fostering a thriving and multidisciplinary learning community. This initiative seeks to enhance the Israeli public understanding of the EU, both as a political entity and as an actor in the Middle East, empower students to broaden their perspectives and analyze evolving political realities through a regional lens, and cultivate informed Europeanists who can contribute to relevant and up-to-date EU policymaking aligned with contemporary trends and processes.
To bring the EU closer to the Israeli public and introduce it to new audiences beyond academia, the project will implement the following strategies: first, as part of the academic exploration of the concept of "EU Identity," students will engage in outreach efforts by reaching out to diverse segments of the public (individuals, organizations, and political bodies) and conducting interviews with them. This will expose the students to knowledge about the EU and its role in their lives. Second, the module will invite the public to participate in open dissemination events and guest lectures. The outcomes of the module, as well as invitations to various events, will be made publicly available online.
The proposal prioritizes target groups to the maximum extent: it offers high-quality BA-level modules for higher education students at Ben-Gurion University, which is located in a third country not associated with the program. These modules, being elective in nature, will be open to students from all academic disciplines, particularly those who may not have prior exposure to EU Studies (such as those pursuing studies in history, communication studies, security studies, and others).
